The Road Safety Committee of the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly recently organised a workshop to educate road users on road safety practices, traffic regulations, and new policies introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). The workshop, held at the Municipal Assembly Hall, brought together drivers, motor riders, and transport operators. Facilitators included Mr. Hope Robert Lamptey, Manager of the DVLA, Akatsi, and officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Akatsi Police Command.
Mr. Lamptey urged vehicle and motorcycle owners to ensure their vehicles were properly registered, enabling law enforcement agencies to identify and trace them, particularly in cases involving stolen vehicles. He emphasised that proper registration and identification of vehicles would assist the Police and other relevant agencies in enforcing traffic regulations and addressing vehicle-related crimes. This move aims to improve road safety and reduce vehicle-related crimes in the municipality.
The facilitators also educated participants on the Government's new policy providing a legal framework for the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles for fare-paying passenger services. The new arrangement comes with specific requirements, including appropriate licensing, training, registration, and compliance with road safety regulations. Prospective commercial riders were urged to familiarise themselves with the requirements before commencing operations.
The MTTD officers further educated participants on responsible road use, compliance with traffic regulations, and the need for drivers and motor riders to exercise caution to protect themselves and other road users. The Police cautioned road users against the use of unauthorised flashlights on vehicles and motorcycles, warning that persons found using them would be arrested and the devices seized.
Mr. Daniel Dagba, Akatsi South Municipal Chief Executive, urged members of the Road Safety Committee to enforce the relevant laws after educating the public on the regulations. He emphasised that public education was important in creating awareness among road users, but enforcement was necessary to ensure compliance and improve road safety in the municipality.
The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to interact with the facilitators, seek clarification, and raise questions on road safety and related regulatory matters. Some participants expressed optimism that the initiative would broaden their knowledge and understanding of road safety regulations and help them conduct their activities more responsibly.
The facilitators urged road users to cooperate with regulatory and law enforcement agencies and make safety a priority to help reduce road crashes, injuries, and fatalities in the municipality. The engagement was attended by Mr. Umar Issah, Municipal Coordinating Director and Chairman of the Road Safety Committee, and other stakeholders.
Key points
- Road users in Akatsi South Municipality educated on new road safety regulations and policies introduced by DVLA.
- The Government's new policy provides a legal framework for the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles for fare-paying passenger services.
- The workshop aimed to improve road safety and reduce vehicle-related crimes in the municipality.
